Marking apparatus



Feb. .27, 1962 F.- C. WORTH 3,022,724

A MARKING APPARATUS Filed March 21, 1960 4 sheets-sheet 1 Fam/vals C Waar# /QZWM XTraRA/sy Feb. 27, 1962 F. c. WORTH 3,022,724

MARKING APPARATUS Filed March 21, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. l Fran/va s. C Worf# 14 rakn/E y Feb. 27, 1962 F. c. WORTH MARKING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 2l, 1960 IN V EN TOR.

@AAV/cls f. Woprf/ 19 rra #may Feb. 27, 1962 F. c. WORTH 3,022,724

MARKING APPARATUS Filed March 2l, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENToR.

F/F/wvc/s C l/aPT/l York Filed Mar. 2l, 1960, Ser. No. 16,436 13 Claims. (Cl. 101;-27)

This invention relates generally to marking apparatus, and more particularly is directed to improvements in marking apparatus of the kind wherein the desired imprint is applied to a web or sheet of sheet material from a hot roll leaf stamping tape by pressing a heated die against the latter.

Diiculties have heretofore been experienced in applying markings to webs or sheets of plastic material having a glossy surface. If an attempt is made to apply inked markings to such material, the ink will not adhere suiciently to the glossy surface so that the marking can be easily wiped or rubbed off and, if very quick drying inks are used in order to avoid this defect, the ink tends to dry in the ink reservoir or on the ink applying rolls, and thereby necessitates the frequent cleaning of the marking apparatus, it has been proposed to mark such glossy surfaced materials by transferring the desired imprint or marking from a hot roll leaf stamping tape by means of a heated die. In apparatus employing hot roll leaf stamping tape for the marking of glossy surfaced materials, it is necessary that an unused portion of the tape be exposed to the action of the heated die during each of the succesive marking operations in order to ensure the attainment of a clear marking of uniform intensity. Thus, during the intervals between successive marking operations, the heated die is moved away from the surface to be marked, and feeding of the hot roll leaf stamping tape is effected, while the tape is held at rest during each of the successive marking operations so as to avoid blurring of the marking or imprint. However, diiculties have been experienced with the existing marking devices or apparatus employing hot roll leaf stamping tape, particularly with respect to the intermittent feeding of the tape during the intervals between successive marking operations.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved marking apparatus of the described character having a reliable mechanism for effecting the intermittent feeding of the hot roll leaf stamping tape during the intervals between the successive marking operations. I

- Another object is to provide a marking apparatus of the described character with a feeding mechanism for the hot roll leaf stamping tape which maintains the latter in-a taut condition and positively effects feeding movements of the tape during the intervals between the successive marking operations.

-A further object is to provide a marking apparatus of the described character having a heated die which is moved toward and away from the surface to be marked during each marking operation with means for preventing sticking or adhering of the hot roll leaf stamping tape to either the heated die or to the web or sheet material being marked.

Still another object is to provide a marking apparatus f the described character with a feeding arrangement for the hot roll leaf stamping tape that includes a supply reel or spool and a take-up reel or spool which are arranged at opposite sides of the path of movement of the material to be marked so that the tape is fed laterally with respect to such path of movement, and wherein the arrangement of the reels or spools is such as to minimize the space occupied by the marking apparatus.

' In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a mark- 3,922,724 Patented Feb. 27, 1962 "ice ing apparatus of the described character includes a platen or support over which the material to be marked is intermittently advanced, a heated die mounted above the platen and movable toward and away from the latter, a supply reel or spool carrying fresh hot roll leaf stamping tape and rotatably mounted at one Side of the path of movement of the material to be marked, a take-up rool or spool rotatably mounted at the other side of the path of movement of the material to be marked and intended to have the used tape rewound thereon, guide means guiding the tape between the supply and take-up reels along a path extending laterally above the path of movement of the material to be marked and between the heated die and the material to be marked disposed above the platen or support, feeding mechanism for the tape including a drive shaft which is rotated in synchronism with the advancement or movement of the material to be marked, a slip drive from the drive shaft to the take-up reel or spool in order to maintain tension in the tape between the supply and take-up reels or spools, a feeding roller frictionally engaging the tape at a location between the heated die and the take-up reel or spool and an intermittently operative transmission for positively driving the feeding roller from the drive shaft, thereby to intermittently effect the positive feed of the tape, and actuating means also driven from the drive shaft for effecting the movements of the heated die toward and away from the material to be marked in synchronism with the positive feeding movements of the tape.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the transmission which is intermittently operative to directly drive the feeding roller from the drive shaft includes a ratchet wheel rotatably coupled to the feeding roller and engageable, at its periphery, by a pawl which is piyotally mounted on an arm rotatably coupled to the drive shaft, with the pawl being resiliently urged towardl the periphery of the ratchet wheel and carrying a cam follower roller which engages a stationary radial cam assembly so that the pawl engages the ratchetwheel to couple the feeding roller to the drive shaft only when the cam follower roller rides upon a portion of the cam assembly having a relatively small radial extent. Preferably, the radial cam assembly includes two cam members which are arranged side by side and rotatably adjustable with respect to each other so that the angular extent of the lift or radially enlarged portion of the earn assembly, considered as a whole, can bey conveniently varied, thereby to adjust the length of the tapev advanced during each feeding operation. Thus, the length of the tape advanced during each feeding operation can be made to closely correspond to the distance covered by the type elements of the heated die, thereby toavoid waste of the hot roll leaf stamping tape.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the guiding means for the hot roll leaf stamping tape includes guide rods extending parallel to the direction of movement of the material to be marked and located at opposite sides of the heated die, and wires extending from the guide rods and disposed at a level below that of the latter, with the tape passing over the guide rods and under the related wires, so that when the heated die is raised following the completion of a marking operation, the previously mentioned wires prevent the upward movement of the tape with the heated die and thereby avoid sticking of the tape to the type elements of the heated die. Further, since the tape follows an upwardly inclined path in moving from under the guide wire over the guide rod at the side of the heated die facing toward the take-up reel or spool, the pull exerted on the tape during the feeding movement thereof following a marking operation tends to pull the tape out of sticking contact spara-,rea

wi th t h e underlying web or sheet material that has been marked.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, will. be apparent in the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof whichis to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, and wherein;

FlG. 1 is a front elevational view of a marking apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the side of the marking apparatus of FIG. 1 at which the supply reel or spool is located;

FIG; 3 is a top plan view of the marking apparatus of FIG. 1 which isshown partly broken away and in section;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational View of the marking apparatus ofFIG, l, but as viewed from the side thereof at whichthe take-upreel or spool is located;

/FIG. 5 isan enlarged detail sectional View taken along the line 5- 5 of FIG. Al;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. .7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line V'7--7 of FIG.v 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the path of the hot roll leaf stamping tape in relation to the pathof movement of the material to be marked;

. FIG. 9 is an enlarged transverse' sectional view taken along the line 949 of FIG. 3, and showing the relationship between th`e hot roll leaf stamping tape and guide members engageable therewith; and l FIG. 10 is atop vplan view of the assembly of elements illustrated in FIG. 9, but with the die removed; Y

,Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 3 thereof, it will be seen that a marking apparatus embodying the present invention and there generally identified by the reference numeral 1d includesside fra'me members 12 and 14 which may be mounted on parallel, spaced apart angle members 16 or other suitable s'upports, and which have their lower portions joined to each other by a laterally extending bar 18. roller 20 extends laterally between side frames 12 and I4 at a location in front of bar 1S and has its opposite ends rotatably supported by the side frames, and a 'similar roller 22 extends laterally between the side frames and has its opposite ends rotatably supported by the latter at a location in back oflatera'lly extending bar 18.

The material to be marked, for example, a continuous plastic web indicatedfin broken lines at VW on FIG. 3, is intermittently advanced in the forward direction, as 'indicated by the arrow 24;'along a path extending between side frames 12 and I4 and passes over the guide rollers and 22. A suitable platen or 'anvil 26 is mounted on the "laterally extending bar 18 and supports the web W during the marking thereof. n

A shaft 28 extends laterally between side frames 12 and 14 at a location above the roller '22 and has its opposite ends rotatably 'mounted in suitable bearings provided inthe side frames. A'block V3i) is 'adjustably secured on shaft 28, for example, by a set screw'32 (FIG. 3) and has a bifurcted arm 34 extending :forwardly therefrom. A heated die 'assembly Agenerally indicated by the reference numeral 36 'is suspended from the forward end of arm 34.and carries removable type elements 38 'which projectdownwardly therefrom, as is apparent in FIG. 1 Since the heated die assembly 36 does not form apart of the present invention, itwillnot be described in detail, audit is merely indicated thatgthe dierassembly includes anv electrical heating unit` which thermostatically controlled iandpwhich is velfective to heat 'the type elements 38 cnrrespouding to the desired markiigto be applied to the web W.

n ein tie apparentlthttraenagbrthe shaft is is ne-c tive to raise and lower the heated dierss'embly 36 with respectjofthe platen 26;, :As shown inFlGS. 1,2andy 3, a cllr 40is`sec'u`redlon theiend of thefsh'aft 28projectsphing 44 tends to turn shaft 28 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, that is, in the direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, that is,l in the direction for raising the heated die assembly 36.

In order to control the movements of the die assembly 36, the marking apparatus 10 furthei" includes a drive shaft 48 extending parallel to the shaft 28 with its axis disposed below and in front of the axis of the shaft 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the drive'shaft 48 is rotatably mounted in bearings 5i) within a sleeve 52 which is xed in side frame 14. AThe outer end of shaft 48 carries a gear or sprocket 54 through which the drive shaft is suitably driven, for example, by a gear transmission or chain (not shown), fromthe conveyor or other device effecting the intermittent advancement of the web W or other material to be marked. Thus, the drive shaft 48 is turned through a single complete revolution during each operating cycle of the marking apparatus, that is, during the period of advancement of the web W and the following' period during which the web is at rest. The inner end of drive shaft 48 carries a radial cam 56 (FIGS. 3 and 6), and a radial arm 53 is secured onrthe adjacent end portion of the shaft 28, for example, by a set screw 6d,-

and extends generally downward from the shaft 28, with a cam follower roller 62 being rotatably mounted on the lower end of arm 58 for engagement with the periphery of cam 56. rlhus, as the cam 56 rotates with the drive shaft 48, the arm 58 and shaft 28 are rocked so as topermit the spring 44 to raise the die assembly 36 during advancement of the web W, and to move the die assembly downwardly for effecting marking of the w'eb in the manner hereinafter described in detail during the period when the web W is at rest.

In the apparatus 10 embodying the present invention, the type elements 38 of the heated die assembly 36 subject a hot roll leaf stamping tape, generally indicated at T (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) to heat and pressure during each marking operation to effect the transfer of pigment from the tape T to the underlying web W supported by the platen 26, thereby vto provide a permanent and clear marking on the web. In order to insure that the succe`s sive applied markings will all have uniform intensities, it is 'necessai'y that an unused area of the' tape T be exposed to 'the action ofthe type Velements 3.8 during each of ythe successive lmarking operations. Inorder to yachieve this objective, the marking apparatus It) includes a feeding mechanism for the tape T which guides thetape laterally across the 'path'of movement "of vthe web W withla portion of the tape T passing between the 'type elements 38 and the underlying web, andthe feeding mechanism lis effective to intermittently advance the tape during the period when the type elements 'areele'vated zso that, when the die `as'sembly 36 is next moved downwardly, anunusedpo'rtion of the tape willbe exposedto the Vaction ofthe typ'e elements'.

In the marking apparatus embodying the present invention, the new or unused tape fis rolled upon a 'supply'reel or 'spool A6'4 (FIGS. l, 2 and 3) Awhich is disposed adjacent the frame 12 and'rnoun'ted for rotation ina vertical plane about an axis "extending laterally with respect toV the direction of movement ofthe web W so that the'supply reel v64 lies 'relatively fiat against the V4side ofthe marking apparatus andtherebybccupies a rrelatively small space. The support for ythe 'suppl'yr'e'el or 4spool 64 includes a bracket 66`secur`ed 'to the Y'side fra-me 12, as Iby screws 68 and extending dowhwrdlyfrom the side fratrie.V An

axle "70 defining the Aaxis df rotation ofthe 'reel or spool 64 projects lateally outward from the lower fendof 'the bracket 66,'a'nd a Ibu'shri'g or s'leev'e72 is rotatable onth'e axlel between the Vbracket '66 and a collar 74 'which' is-lsieured on-theouter endportion 'ofthe -axle 7-0, ='for each having a hub 80 which is slidable on the sleeve '72 and secured in adjusted position relative to the latter, for example, by a set screw S2 (FIG. 3). Thus, the distance between the disks 78 may be varied in order to adjust the reel or spool 64 for accommodating tapes having different widths.

The used tape is rewound on a take-up reel or spool 84 which is disposed adjacent the side frame 14 and mounted for rotation in a vertical plane about an axisV extending laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the web W. The mounting for the take-up reel or spool 84 includes a bracket 86 (FIGS. 1 and 4) secured to the outside of the side frame 14, as by bolts 88, and extending downwardly from the side frame. An axle 90 projects laterally outward from the lower end of the bracket 86 and defines the axis of rotation of the reel or spool 84. A bushing or sleeve 92 is rotatable on the axle 90 between the bracket 86 and a collar 94 that is secured on the outer end portion of the axle 90, for example, by

a set screw 96 (FIG..3). In order to permit the take-up reel or spool S4 to accommodate tapes having different widths, the reel 84 also includes a pair of parallel spaced apart disks 98 each having a hub 100 that is axially, movable along the sleeve 92 and is securedin adjusted position relative to the latter, for example, by means of' a set screw 102 (FIG. 3).

In orderv to drive the take-up reel or spool 84, the outer end portion of the sleeve or bushing 92 is formed with an annular groove 104 (FIGS. l and 3) defining a pulley groove which receives an endless coil spring 106 running around a grooved pulley S secured on the drive shaft 48, for example, by a set screw 110 (FIG. 3).

Thus, the take-up reel or spool 84 is yieldably driven from the drive shaft 48, and it is apparent that the spring' 106 can stretch on one side and have its turns compacted on the other side to permit the reel or spool 84 to remain at rest while the drive shaft 4S continues to rotate.

In order to guide the tape T from the supply reel 64 through the take-up reel 84, the marking apparatus 10 has guiding means that includes a pair of guide pins 112 extending laterally outward in parallel, slightly spaced apart relationship from the bracket 66 at a location immediately above the supply reel 64 so that the tape T is drawn upwardly from the reel 64 and passes between the guide pins 112. During movement between the guide pins 112, the tape follows a vertically upward directed path and lies in a laterally extending plane, and it is necessary that the path of the tape be diverted to a lateral` direction with the tape lying in a horizontal plane. This objective is achieved by a guide plate 114 which lies'in a horizontal plane above the guide pins 112 and which has a diagonal edge 116 in guiding engagement with the tape T, as is shown in FIG. 8. In order to permit adjustment of the guide plate 114, the latter is mounted on a vertical, depending post 118 (FIGS. l and 2) which is vertically slidable in a bore formed in a mounting block 120, and which is held in vertically adjusted position relative to the block 120, for example, by means of a set screw 122 (FIG. 2). The mounting block 120 is, in turn, laterally slidable on the inner portions of the guide pins 112 and is held in laterally adjusted position with respect to the latter, for example, by means of a set screw 124 (FIG. l). It will be apparent that, by moving the mounting block 120 laterally on the guide pins 112, the laterally directed run of the tape T extending from the guide plate 114 can be adjusted in the direction of movement of the web W, whereas, vertical adjustment of the post 118 relative to the mounting block 121) is effective to adjust the level of the laterally directed run of the tape with respect to the lev'el of the web to be marked.

vThe laterally directed-run of the tape extending from 6 the guide plate 114 passes over'a guide rod 126 which extends forwardly from a block 128 that is adjustably secured to a rod 136 extending laterally between the side frames 12 and 14 at a location between the back roller 22 and the shaft 28. As is apparent in FIG. 3, guide collars 132 are axially adjustable on the guide rod 126 so as to guide the tape therebetween. A U-shaped guide wire 134 has its opposite free ends secured in the guide rod 126 and extends inwardly and downwardly from the guide rod 126, and the tape T passes under the guide wire 134 at the side of the die assembly 36 facing toward side frame 12, as is apparent in FIG. 8. Since the guide rod 126 is adjustable about its axis relative to the block 128 and is secured in its adjusted position, for v example, by a set screw 136 (FIG. 3) it is apparent that the level of the portion of the guide wire 134 engaging the tape T from above can be conveniently adjusted, thereby to determine the level of the tape passing between the die assembly 36 and the web overlying the platen 26.

At the opposite side of the die assembly 36, that is, at the side facing the side frame 14, the marking apparatus 10 further includes a guide rod 126:: which is similar to the guide rod 126, and thus is adjustably held by a set screw 136:1 in a mounting block 128:: adjustably secured on the lateral rod 130, and further carries guide collars 132:1 and a guide wire 134:1 projecting down- Y wardly and inwardly toward the location of the die assembly. After passing between the die assembly 36 and the web W overlying the platen Z6, the tape T travels under the guide wire 134:1 and then over the guide rodv 126:1 between the collars 132:1 on the latter, as is apparent in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. From the lguide rod 126:1, the' tape T travels laterally over a guide plate-138 which isl disposed in a horizontal plane and secured on the side frame 14, for example, by screws 140, at least one of which extends through an elongated slot 142 in the guide plate 138 so as to permit swinging adjustment of the lat` The outer edge 144 is cut ter in its horizontal plane. on the diagonal, that is, at forty five degrees with respect to the direction of movement of the web W, and, as shown in FIG. 8, the tape T travels around the diagonal edge 144 and then rearwardly under the guide plate 138 so as to pass over and in back of a feeding roll assembly which is generally identified by the reference numeral 146. Y

As is shown in FIG. 3, the feeding roll assembly 146 includes a tubular body 148 having a rubber or otherv layer 151i thereon providing a good frictional grip with."

respect to the tape T. The tubular'body 14S is fixedon a sleeve'152 whichV telescopes over the drive shaft 48v and is rotatably mountedkwith respect to the latter bymeans of bearings 154. Thus, the feedingroll assembly 146 can remain atrest while the drive shaft 4S continues to rotate.

In order to effect the positive intermittent rotation of the feeding roll assembly 146, the apparatus 1G further includes an intermittently operative transmission or coupling device that has a ratchet wheel 156 secured on the sleeve 152 adjacent the inner end of the tubular body 148, and a pawl assembly 158 thatr rotates with the drive shaft 48 and intermittently engages the ratchet wheel 156 so as to drive the feeding roll assembly from the drive shaft. As shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 7, the pawl assembly 158 includes an arm 160 extending radially vfrom the shaft 48at'the side of the ratchet wheel 156 facing toward the adjacent side frame 14, the armV 160. being secured to the shaft 48 for rotation with'the latter, for example, by a set screw 162 (FIG. 7). pawl member 164 is rockably mounted, at one end, on a pivot 166 carried by the free end of arm 161i, and has a nose 168 which is engageable with the peripheral teeth of the ratchet wheel 156, as shown in FIG. 5. A tension spring 17) is connected, at its upper end, to a pin 172 projecting laterally from the pawl 164,` and the lower end of the' spring `171i is connected to a bent piu 174 projecting from the arm 160, so that the spring 17@ urges the pawl 164 to rock in the clockwise direction relative to the arm 160, as viewed in FIG. 5,` that is, in the direction for engaging the nose 163 of the pawl with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 156.

So long as the nose 163 of the pawl 164 engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel 156, as shown in HG. 5, the feeding roll assembly 146 is positively driven from the drive shaft 4S. ln order .to intermittently disengage the drive for the feeding roll assembly 146, the apparatus 11i further' includes a radial cam assembly 176 which isv iixedly mounted on the sleeve 52 (FIG. 3) and is located between the arm 166 of the pawl assembly and the adjacent side frame 14. The periphery of the carn assembly 176 is engaged by a cam follower roller 177 which is rotatable on an axle 179 extending laterally from the free end of the pawl 164. Thus, when the cam follower kroller 177 rides onto a radially enlarged portion of the cam assembly 176, the pawl 164 is rockedV relative to the arm 16o in the direction for disengaging the nose 16S of the pawl from the teeth of the ratchet wheel 156. On the other hand, when the cam follower roller 177 engages the portion of the cam assembly 176 having a relatively small radial dimension, the spring 174i can then act to rock the pawl 16d so as to engage the nose 168 with the ratchet Wheel teeth.

It will be apparent that the -cam assembly 176 is yformed and is rotatably positioned on the shaft 46 in relation to the cam 56 which controls the movements of the die assembly 36, so that, when the die assembly is raised, the pawl assembly 158 positively drives the feeding Vroll assembly 146 from the rotated drive shaft 14S, thereby to effect feeding of the tape laterally under the raised die assembly 36, and so that powl assembly 158 is disengaged from the ratchet wheel 156 to permit the feeding roll assembly to remain at rest, when the die assembly 36 `is lowered in order to effect marking of `the web W by transfer of pigment .from the tape T.

.Although the spring belt 106 continuously lurges the take4up reel 84 to rotate with the `drive :shaft 48, the spring belt 106 is suliiciently yieldable so that the driving force that can be transmitted vthereby to .the take-.up rcel is less than 'the normal drag on the tape extending from the supply reel 64 to the take-up reel -and, if desired, the drag on the tape may be suitably increased, .for example, by providing a yieldable braking force on the supply vreel 64. Thus, while the yieldabie drive ofthe take-up vreel 84 always maintains the `tapeiin a taut condition, the tape is actually advanced 'only when it:is positively driven by rotation of the feeding 'roll assembly 146 with which the tape is in frictionalV engagement.

It will be seen that the distance through which the tape T is 'advanced during each operating 'cycle of the marking apparatus, that is, during each revolution of the drive shaft 48 will depend upon the angular extent `of the radially large portion of the-cam assembly 176 which determines the portion of each revolution during which the pawl assembly 158 is disengaged from the ratchet wheel 156. Since the type elements 38 are removably carried by the heated die assembly 36, and may be conveniently replaced, it is apparent that the lateral extent of the type elements may vary for different markings to bevapplied to the web W. Thus, it is desirable that the distance through which the tape T is Yadvanced during each operating cycle should substantially correspond to the lateral extent of the typeelements 38, thereby to avoid waste of the'tape T. In order to ladjust .the length of `the tape fed during each operating cycle of the .marking apparatus, the cam assembly 176- preferably includes ltwo radial cams 178'and13tl which are disposed side by side, with the cam 178 having a hollow hub 182 turnable on the .sleeve 52Jand adjustablysecured to the latter :by a set screw, and with the cam 189 having-a largerhollow hub 1S4`fwhich is `adjustably:rotatable .on the hollow .hub .182

adjusted relative to the cam 178 in order to vary the.

effective overall angular extent of the radially raised portions of both cams.

In order to ensure the positive frictional engagement of the tape T with the frictional surface of the feeding roll assembly 146, so that the tape will be positively advanced when the feeding roll assembly is rotated, the marking apparatus 1G further includes a pressure roller 18S disposed in back of the feeding roll assembly 146 and arranged with its axis parallel to the latter. sure roller 168 is rotatably mounted, at its opposite ends, in arms 190 that extend radially from a tube or sleeve 192 (FIGS. 3 and 4) Vrotatable on an axle 194 extending parallel to the drive shaft 48 and `having an inner threaded end 196 that is secured in a tapped bore 198 in the side frame 14 .(FIG. 3). An arm 200 extends radially from the inner end of lthe tube 192 and is secured to the latter, and a spring 202 is secured, at one end, to a pin 264 projecting from the free end of the arm 26! and extends forwardly from the .latter for connection, at its-opposite end, to a pin 206 (shown inbreken' lines `on FlG. 4) which projects from side frame 14. Thus, spring 292 urges the tube 192 to turn in the clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4, and thereby presses the roller 18E towards the surface of the feeding roll assembly 146 for positively gripping the tape T therebetween prior to the rewinding of the used tape on the takeup reel 84, as shown in FIG. 8.

.It will be apparent from the above description of a marking apparatus embodying the invention that such apparatus effects the Apositive feeding movement of the tape T through an adjustably predetermined distance during that portion of each operating cycle when the heated die assembly is in its raised position, and that the tape is maintained under tension during all portions of the operating cycle, thereby to ensure that the tape will `lie smoothly under the type elements 38 when the die assembly is moved downwardly 4to effect marking ofthe underlying web W. Referring to FIG. 9, it will be apparent that the guide wires 134 and 134a which engage above the tape Tat the opposite sides of the :heated ldie assembly 36 ensure that the tape will separate from the type Aelements 38 when the die assembly is raised lat the conclusion of a marking operation. Further, since the tape is fed in a direction at right angles to the direction of vmovement of the web W, and such movements ofv the tape T 'and web W occur simultaneously at the conclusion vof the marking operation, a shearing action is achieved in order to prevent adherence of the tape tothe marked web. The separation of the tape T from the marked web is further assisted by the upwardly inclined path of the tape between the guide wire 134e and the guide rod 126er, whereby the pull exerted on the tape has an upwardly directed component, that is, in the direction away from lthe marked lsurface of the -web'W.

Further, in orderto prevent sticking of the marked web to the vunderlying platen 26, Athe apparatus 10 may further include additional wires 20S and 210 respectively extending laterally in front of the platen 26 and in back of the platen '26, and being ldisposed at a vlevel above the top surface of the platen (FIGS. "9 and 10). 'The additionalwires 20S and 210 engage the undersurface of the web W so that if the web W 'sticks .to the .platen 26 between the wires Y208 and V210 during the marking of the web., the web will lbe inclined upwardly from the area Where .it is :stuck to .the platen in .the direction toward the wire 208 at ,ahigher level, and the subsequently applied force for .effecting advancement of the web W will have an .upf

wardly directed component eiective to lpull :the web away from the surface ofthe platen 26.

Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein with reference to 'the accompanying.drawinggftis to be Anoted that the inven- The pres-- spagaat 9 tion is not limited to that precise embodiment, a'nd that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of lthe invention, except as defined in the appended claims. t

What is claimed is:

l. In a marking apparatus for applying markings to a` surface that is intermittently advanced along a predetermined path; the combination of support means underlying the path and adapted to support the surface during-the markingthereof, a heated die means disposed above said support means and movable cyclically toward said support means, so as to apply heat and pressure to a hot roll leaf stamping tape disposed between the surface to be marked and said die means for transferring a marking from said tape to said surface, and away from said support means, so as to release the marked surface for advancement of the latter, a supply reel rotatably mounted at one side of said path and carrying a supply of the stamping tape, a take-up reel rotatably mounted at the other side of said path and adapted to have the used stamping tape rewound thereon, guide means engaging the tape between saidsupply and take-up reels and directing the stamping tape laterally across said path between said die means' and thesurface to be marked, a continuously rotated drive shaft, yieldable transmission means between said drive shaft and said take-up reel for urging-the latter to lrotate in the direction maintaining the tape in Atarn-condition betweensaid reels, means actuated by said drive shaft for controlling the movements of said die means toward and away from said support means, and feeding means for the stamping `tape including a feeding roll rotatably-mountedfonsaid drive shaft for rotation independently ofthe latter and frictionally engaging the stamping tape at a location along the latter between said die means and said take-up reel to positively feed the stamping tape when said feeding roll is rotated,v a ratchet wheel rotatably coupled to said feeding roll, a pawl assembly rotatablyi coupled: tof'said drive shaft and having a pawl-spring urged -into engagement with said ratchet wheel so that said feeding roll 4is thereby rotatably coupled to said 'drive shaft, and control means operative to disengage said pawl-.from said ratchet wheel during a predetermined portion of each revolution of'said drive shaft so that said feeding roll is only rotated during the remaining portion of each revolution and feeds the tape a corresponding predetermined distance.

2. In a marking apparatus, the combination as in claim l; wherein said control means for the pawl includes a stationary cam assembly disposed adjacent said pawl assembly and having a radially raised peripheral portion, and a cam follower roller on said pawl riding on the periphery of said cam assembly to disengage said pawl from said ratchet wheel when said cam follower roller engages said radially raised peripheral portion.

3. In a marking apparatus, the combination as in claim 2; wherein said cam assembly includes at least two radial cams mounted side-by-side for rotational adjustment relative to each other, each of said radial cams having a portion of relatively large radial extent so that the radially raised peripheral portion of the cam assembly is defined by the portions of relatively large radial extent of all of said radial cams.

4. In a marking apparatus, the combination as in claim 2; wherein said means controlling the movements of the die means includes spring actuated means urging said die means to move in the direction away from said support means, a cam xed on said drive shaft to rotate with the latter, and cam follower means connected to said die means and urged against said cam by the movement of the die means away from said support means by said spring actuated means, said cam having a portion thereof effecting movement of said die means toward said support means when engaged by said cam follower means during each 6. In Ia marking apparatus for applying markings to.

a surface that is intermittently advanced along a predetermined pathythe combination of support means underlying the path and adapted to support the surface duringthe marking thereof, a heatedv die means disposed above said' support means and movable cyclically toward said support means, so as to apply heat and pressure to a hot roll leaf stamping tape disposed between the surface to be marked and said die means for transferring a marking from said tape to said surface, and away from said support means, so as to release the marked surface for advancement of the latter, a supply .reel mounted at one side of said path and carrying a supply of the stamping tape, a take-up reel rotatably mounted at the other side of said path and adapted to have theused stamping tape rewound thereon, means. operative to intermittently effect the feed..

ing movement of thestamping tape across said path and to rewind the used stamping tape on said take-up reel, and guide means.f:directing they stamping tape laterally across said path between said die means and the surface to.

be marked and including adjustably xed guide rodsfdisposed above said path of the surface to be marked at the opposite sides of saiddiemeans and extending inthe direction of advancement of the surface along' said path;

means facing toward said other -side of the path soas to be Pulled-tree.' O f. themarkcdsurfaee durnafeeding meyer- 7. In'A amarking apparatus, thecombination-as in ,claimv 6; further. comprising. laterally. extendin'gwires fixedly mounted in front and in black of sai'd support means and projecting above the latter to separate Athe marked surface from said support means upon the intermittent advancement of the surface.

8. In a marking apparatus for applying markings to a surface that is intermittently advanced along a predetermined lsubstantially horizontal path; the combination of support means underlying the path and adapted to support the Surface during the marking thereof, a heated die means disposed above said support means and movable cyclically toward said support means, so as to apply heat and pressure to a hot roll leaf stamping tape disposed between the surface to be markedand said die means for transferring a marking from said tape to said surface, and away from said support means, so as to release the marked surface for advancement of the latter, a supply reel mounted at one side of said path at a level below the latter and being rotatable in a substantially vertical plane extending parallel to said path and carrying a supply of the stamping tape, a take-up reel mounted at the other side of said path also below the level of the latter and being rotatable in a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of said supply reel and adapted to have the used stamping tape rewound thereon, guide means engaging the tape between said supply and take-up reels and directing the stamping tape laterally across said path between said die means and the surface to be marked, said guide means including horizontal guide plates disposed above the supply and take-up reels, respectively, and having guiding edges engageable by the stamping tape and being disposed at acute angles with respect to said path Afor turning the stamping tape through ninety degrees between the directions of the stamping tape required 'for' removal from'the supply reel and rewinding on the take-.up reel and the direction of the tape required for Vlateral movement thereof across thetpath of the surface to be marked, and means operative to effect the intermittent feeding movement of the stamping tape when said die .means is moved away from said support means and to rewind the used stamping tape -on said take-up reel.

9. Ina marking apparatus, the combination as in'claim 8; wherein said guide means further includes adjustably fixed guide rods disposed above said path V,of the Vsurface to be marked at the opposite sides of said die means and extending in the direction of advancement of the surface along said path, and guide wires extending downwardly and inwardly from said guide rods, the stamping tape passing over said guide rods and under said guide wires so that the tape is separated from the die means by said guide wires during movement of -the die means Vaway from said support means and the tape moves along an upwardly inclined path from said guide wire to said guide rod at the side of the die means facing toward said other side of the path so as to be pulled free of the Vmarked surface during feeding movement of the stamping tape.

10. In a marking apparatus, the combination as in claim 9; further comprising laterally extending wires xedly mounted in front and in back of said support means and projecting above the latter to separate the marked surface from said support means upon the inter,- mittent advancement of the surface.

11. In a marking apparatus forr applying markings to `a surface that .is intermittently advanced along a prede termined path; the combination of support means under-l lying the path and adapted to support the surface during the marking thereof, a heated die means disposed above stamping tape thereon, guide means-engaging the tapebetween said source land said take-up reel and directing the stamping tape laterally across said path between said die means and theV surface to bemarked, a continuously rotated drive shaft, and feeding means for the stamping tape including a feeding roll rotatably mounted on said drive shaft for rotation independently of the latter and frictionally engaging the stamping tape at a location along the latterl between 'said dietneans and said take-up reelrtto positively feed the stamping tape when said feeding roll is rotated, a ratchet wheel rotatably coupled to said feeding roll, a pawl assembly rotatably coupled to said drive shaft and having a pawl spring urged into engagement with said ratchet wheel so that said feeding roll is thereby rotatably coupled to said drive shaft, and control means operative to disengage said pawl from said ratchet wheel during a predetermined portion of each revolution of said drive shaft so that said feeding roll is only rotated during theremaining portion of each revolution and feeds the tape a corresponding predetermined distance.

12. In a marking apparatus, the combination as in claim 11; wherein said control means for the pawl includes a stationary cam assembly disposed adjacent said pawl assembly and having a radially raised peripheral portion, and a cam follower roller on said pawl riding on the periphery of said cam assemblyv to disengage said pawl from said ratchet wheel when said cam follower roller engages said radially raised periphery portion.

13, In a marking apparatus, the combination as in claim 12;.-wh'erein said cam assembly includes at least two radial cams mounted side-byfside for rotational adjustment relative to each other, each of said radial cams having a portion of relatively large radial extent so that the radially raised peripheral portion of the cam assembly is defined by the portions of relatively large radial extent of all of said radial cams.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED srArns PATENTS 

